Offender Profiling Flashcards Preview

Intro to Forensic Psychology > Offender Profiling > Flashcards

Flashcards in Offender Profiling Deck (19)
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1
Q

Definition of psychological profile

A

The scientific analysis of trace psychological evidence in order to assist with the detection, suppression and knowledge of criminal behaviour

2
Q

The specific uses of psychological profiling

A
  • Detection of offenders - Distribution of police resources (patrols etc) - Public Education & Safety
3
Q

Important parts of profiling

A
  • use of models and theories related to both abnormal and ‘normal’ psychology (e.g psychological disorders, trait-theory, decision-making),use of personal insight and knowledge of the law
4
Q

When are the two profiling models employed?

A
  • Serial offenders (3 or more separate yet related events)
5
Q

What makes an offender a serial offender?

A
  • 3 or more separate yet related crimes (don’t have to be arrested)
6
Q

Clinical Model (FBI) US

A

Goal is to create a psychological profile of the offender, get inside the head of offenders

7
Q

Experimental/Statistical Model (UK)

A
  • Goal is to create a statistically-based profile of factors related to the location of the offender and his/her crimes
8
Q

FBI profiling process (4 stages)

A

1) Data Assimilation Stage 2)Examination of crime scenes 3) Crime scene reconstruction 4) creation of offender profile

9
Q

Stage 1 FBI profiling process

A

Gathering and assimilating all available data that might be related to the case (e.g police reports, crime scene photos, pathologist reports)

  • Attempt to identify the offenders MO (modus operandi) and/or signature
10
Q

Modus Operandi (MO)

A

Refers to the particular way by which a person performs a particular task (e.g studies for examination)

11
Q

Signature

A

Any specific and identifiable action or characteristic of the offender that reflects their nature

12
Q

Stage 2 (FBI profiling)

A

Examination of the crime scenes in order to ascertain whether the scene is representative of an organised or disorganised offender

13
Q

Stage 3 FBI profiling

A

Crime Scene Reconstruction - use of information gathered in stages 1 & 2 to reconstruct the crime scene in a way that allows for deciding whether the offender is organised or disorganised

14
Q

Organised Offenders

A

-Average to above average intelligence -Socially & sexually competent -High birth order (first or second born) -Skilled worker - Controlled mood during crime -Precipitating situational stress -Follows crimes in news -May leave town after crime

15
Q

Disorganised offender

A
  • Below average intelligence
  • Socially inadequate and sexually incompetent
  • Low to middle birth order
  • unskilled worker
  • anxious mood during crime
  • Minimal situational stress
  • Does not follow crime in news
  • Lives/works near crime scene
16
Q

Ted Bundy, organised or disorganised?

A

organised

17
Q

Ted Bundy

A

Assaulted/murdered at least 30 women (rape and necrophilia

- crimes occured in at least 7 different states during a 4-year period

18
Q

Jeffrey Bahner

A
  • Disorganised

- all in miwaukee

19
Q

Stage 4 (FBI profiling)

A

Creation of an offender profile that includes physical elements as well as identifiers related to their personality (e.g introverted and solitary therefore probably single)